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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair Electric powered wheelchairs can be an excellent aid to those with limited mobility. These chairs are available at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and at some major retailers. Medicare and private insurance can cover the cost of an electric wheelchair when it's determined to be medically necessary by a physician. The majority of power wheelchairs feature an electronic joystick that the user uses to control the motors. These movements are converted into electrical signals by a controller that acts as the brain of the chair. Battery Life When shopping for a power wheelchair, one of the most important aspects to take into consideration is the battery's lifespan. A quality battery can last up to two years if used regularly and maintained properly. The type of battery affects the distance a wheelchair will be able to travel on one charge. The majority of power wheelchairs utilize deep cycle batteries that are designed to provide a long-lasting power supply. They can handle a variety of discharges and recharges without causing damage battery cells. It is important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for charging, which typically include overnight charging of the battery and avoiding allowing it to run completely empty. The surface on the ground on which the wheelchair is operated also influences the battery's lifespan. Smooth, level surfaces use less power to propel the chair, resulting in longer battery life. If the wheelchair is driven on rocky or bumpy terrain, the motors need to work harder to maintain balance and speed which consumes energy and depletes battery faster. The lifespan of batteries is impacted by the age of the battery and its usage. It is possible to replace a battery if it is becoming old and losing its ability to hold charge. A newer battery will decrease the time it takes to charge a wheelchair and will likely to be more powerful. Wheelchair batteries come in various sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than Group 24 batteries. This reduces the weight and size of the wheelchair. However, they have a lower power or “juice” reserve than Group 24 batteries. It is also a good idea to avoid charging or undercharging the battery since this could result in the battery's lifespan. It is essential to keep the battery in a dry, cool area, since extreme temperatures can alter its functionality. Weight Capacity Weight capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing the best power wheelchair. If the chair is intended to be used for long trips it must be able to support the weight of the user's body. Problems with weight can be caused by excessive weight, which can cause accidents and battery life issues. A power wheelchair's weight is different from model to model, and is affected by the type of battery it uses. It also is affected by the number and types of additional accessories it has like oxygen tank holders and a variety of seating systems. However, the majority of its weight comes from the batteries. A single battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs, and most power chairs come with two batteries! Whether the power chair has either a four-pole or two-pole motor could affect the weight of the wheelchair. A four-pole power wheelchair is more efficient, and it can support a greater weight capacity. However, it requires more energy and drain batteries more quickly than a motor with two poles. Power wheelchairs can also have different drive bases such as rear-wheel or mid-wheel. The position of the drive wheels may affect its maneuverability and handling in a variety of conditions. The drive base may contain a variety of options, including an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers, or sip-and-puff controls that operate by blowing on a sensor. Another aspect to consider is the environment in which the power wheelchair will be employed. It is crucial that the chair can be used on various surfaces and be able to fit into rooms and hallways. It's important to measure doors and ensure that the chair is able to move through them, including those with hinged doors. A physical therapist and/or mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the best power wheelchair for the individual. In addition to evaluating the wheelchair's weight, speed and driving range They can also provide advice on other factors like accessibility, comfort and the size of the seat. They will also look at the frequency and duration, and whether the chair is likely to be moved frequently. Seating My Mobility Scooters are powered by motors to move them, unlike manual wheelchairs. This allows you to move more easily and farther than a manual one, but there are a few limitations. In the beginning, you'll need know the capacity for weight of your new power chair. If it's your own personal weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies you're carrying, you must not exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit to avoid overtaxing the chair and causing damage. Make sure that the chair you select has a comfortable footplate and an appropriate seat to fit into. If you don't have enough room for your feet to rest on the footplate, it can shift your center of gravity forward and cause the chair to lunge. Finally, look for a power wheelchair with tilt and recline capabilities to help reduce the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is crucial for seniors whose skin can be thin and bruises easily. Furthermore, power leg rests can help raise your legs and reduce swelling. Like any other mechanical device, will need regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You'll have to check the battery and tire pressure, brakes and other parts of your wheelchair frequently. Also, you should check the seating for wear, and make any necessary adjustments. You should also pay attention to the place you place your power wheelchair in order to avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions. Exposed to extreme temperatures could degrade the frame, while exposure to low temperatures may harm the battery as well as other electrical components. If you don't buy your wheelchair from pocket, you won't have insurance coverage and you wont be able to return it if you discover that it doesn't meet your requirements. Manufacturers' warranties usually last between one and two years. They cover joysticks, motors, frames, and electronic components, but not seats, back cushions or tires. Ask your provider about their return policies prior to you purchase an electric wheelchair. The most important thing is to read the manual and follow the instructions regarding use and maintenance. Operation Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor in the power base that is located beneath the user's seat. The motor is powered either by two 12-volt rechargeable batteries connected in series, for total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH has lithium batteries that are much more energy efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer durations of time. The controller as well as the electronics and power base can be customised to suit the requirements of different users, with a variety of options available. Certain chairs permit individual seating that can aid in ensuring a comfortable fit. It can also help the user find the position that best will help their posture. A lot of models also have adjustable height of the seat as well as recline and leg rest positions, and power tilt functionality. Electric powered wheelchairs can be equipped with a variety of extras. They include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs and an array of accessories for power. Certain powerchairs are customized to allow the user to control them using their brainwaves or nerve signals. Certain powerchairs have the capability to adjust their speed according to the preferences of the user or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for instance when going up hills. Some powerchairs are equipped with sensors that warn them of obstacles or other potential hazards close by, and they automatically slow down and swerve whenever necessary. The position of the drive wheels – whether they are front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive – has a significant impact on how a chair performs in different situations. This is a huge issue, so we'll leave it to a future Clinical Corner. Before taking your new electric wheelchair for an outing, make sure it's fully charged, and that the tires have enough air pressure in them. To get ready for your first time it's best to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests, and footrests. It's important to read the directions in your manual prior to operating your wheelchair. This is particularly important when driving on and down hills. This will minimise the risk of injury, damage or discomfort.